Toilet Paper Gel Cleans Up No. 2 In More Ways Than One

When toilet paper isn't enough, some people reach for flushable wipes. These may leave you feeling clean, but they're a dirty habit.

Flushable wipes are only flushable as in "out of sight, out of mind." They don't dissolve like toilet paper, end up clogging sewer systems and contribute to huge disgusting blobs known as "fatbergs." Toilet paper gel may be a better alternative - just squeeze a little on some new toilet paper after you've finished your regular cleanup and, um, give your bottom a final shine.

SATU Laboratory is one startup pushing a Gel Wipe brand of toilet paper gel. They're from Estonia in Northern Europe, but the gel is of course available online. A 100 milliliter bottle (about $19) is estimated to last from four to seven months, depending on your, um, frequency of use. That's up to 300 wipes, or enough to moisturize up to 36 rolls of TP.

Besides being better for the Earth's bottom line, using toilet paper gel is bound to increase with bans on flushable wipes under consideration in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

A sewer technician holds a 'fatberg' as he works in the intersection of the Regent Street and Victoria sewer in London in 2014. Credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

SATU is pushing not only its brand, but toilet paper moisteners in general.

There are many options on the market, starting from the mass market sprays like Etiquette to high quality gels sold in pharmacies like SATU laboratory," they note in a blog post. "Which one is right for you depends a lot on your needs and budget.

The overall "wet wipe menace," as The Times of London puts it, is a large source of plastic pollution that includes everything from wipes used for shiny bottoms to diaper changing and makeup removal.

Although flushable wipes have been marketed under the guise of adult hygiene, SATU and others say toilet paper gel can leave you cleaner and does a better job of removing bacteria and germs, leaving you with less irritation, less odor ... and unmarked underwear. A four-step "how to use" graphic is especially instructive.

This may all be a bit funny to talk about, but wet wipe pollution is no joke.